Dear Editor, Republicans talk about the Constitution like they know what’s in it. They don’t. Most think the Constitution explicitly demands implementation of their political agenda, things like tax breaks for the rich, freedom from masks, special policing for minority areas, and keeping immigrants out of the country. It doesn’t. There are some things in…

Dear Editor, I’m curious as to why locals were subjected to an inflammatory and poorly written Letter to the Editor [“Take the Vaccine!”] authored by an individual from Woods Cross, Utah, in the Jan. 12-19 edition of the Mountain Times. Of all the other “Letters” to choose from, why this one? Given its lack of…

By Kesha Ram Editor’s note: This commentary is by Sen. Kesha Ram, D-Chittenden, who is the first woman of color to serve in the Vermont state Senate. She is the co-chair of the Vermont Social Equity Caucus. Jan. 6 began with historic election results in Georgia and my own swearing-in to the Vermont state Senate. By…

Registration opened Monday, Jan. 25, for Vermonters age 75 and older to get a Covid-19 vaccination. By the end of the day Monday, 21,100 had been scheduled for vaccination. Appointments can be made online at healthvermont.gov/MyVaccine. Eligible Vermonters will be asked to create an account on the website, then log in to make their appointment. A…

Governor Phil Scott delivered his fifth budget address to the General Assembly on Tuesday, Jan. 26, presenting a balanced budget that, with the help of federal stimulus, includes $210 million in bold new investments to strengthen the economy, create more and better paying jobs, and address big priorities, like downtown revitalization, infrastructure, broadband and climate…

By Kit Norton/VTDigger Hours after Joe Biden was sworn in as president, Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., was sworn in as president pro tempore of the Senate, placing him third in line for the presidency. Leahy, 80, was escorted to the front of the Senate chamber by incoming Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Sen. Chuck Grassley,…

By Julia Purdy On Tuesday, Jan. 19, Congressman Peter Welch hosted a live town hall meeting by telephone to take the public pulse on the takeover of the U.S. Capitol of January 6. Call-in “town meetings” are a service of Congressman Welch and others to stay in touch with their constituents in a direct and…

The 1st Squadron, 172nd Cavalry, 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain), a.k.a. "the Vermont Brigade," is now authorized to recruit women. This marks the first time in the National Guard’s 384 year history that a combat arms battalion sized unit can enlist women. “I am incredibly proud of the soldiers and senior leaders of our…

By Sen. Alison Clarkson Last week’s successful presidential inaugural celebration on Jan. 20 was a powerful reminder of how precious our democracy is. Central to its viability is the peaceful transfer of power. Until now, I am not sure I’ve fully appreciated this. After the attempted violent insurrection in Washington DC on Jan. 6 –…

By Rep. Jim Harrison Last week, state economists presented revised state revenue forecasts that will be the basis of next year’s budget. The good news is that the forecast was adjusted significantly upward from the one done last August. Total revenues in all funds are now expected to be only $20 million below pre-pandemic FY21…

By Xander Landen/VTDigger State economists had good news Tuesday, Jan. 19, for Gov. Phil Scott and lawmakers who set Vermont’s revenue forecasts. Tax revenues in the state are expected to come in $254 million higher this year than fiscal analysts had projected in August. The boost is thanks, in large part, to the massive infusion of federal…

By Xander Landen and Lola Duffort/VTDigger A long-awaited report recommends wide-ranging reforms to make Vermont’s state taxes fairer and more resilient in a changing economy. The Vermont Tax Structure Commission proposes broadening the sales tax and expanding Vermont’s income tax base by promoting the state as a destination for remote workers. But the top-line recommendation is eliminating the homestead property…

By Andy Kirkaldy Gov. Phil Scott eased some restrictions on school and recreational sports practices, effective Jan. 18. Among the changes, outdoor ski teams will be allowed to compete this winter, Scott said in his Jan. 15 news conference. Nordic skiers from Otter Valley union high schools could begin to hit the trails soon. OVUHS…

By Brooke Geery Kamala Harris made history as the nation’s first female, Black and Asian-American vice president on Inauguration Day in a politically unifying purple coat by rising-star designer Christopher John Rogers. So why was Vermont U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders making all the fashion headlines? Among a sea of couture gowns, expensive sneakers and  designer…

Record number of candidates vie for Rutland mayor, every elected position contested By Polly Mikula Rutland City residents are stepping up to lead. At this year’s Town Meeting every elected position is being contested, giving voters many choices. Seven candidates will face off for mayor. Eighteen seek the six seats on the board of aldermen.…